AB initio, finished in late 96'. First job, half a year later, was as a co-pilot (multi crew) on twin turboprops in Africa and Afghanistan. 1.5 years later regional airline flying bigger turboprops. 8 years later flew heavy jets for on of the worlds most "admired" airlines in Asia. Got bored and fed up with airline flying and went to Africa to fly for real again on small single engine turboprops.. Now flying small biz jets around Europe.
May I ask how old were you when you went bak to Africa?
Concerning the topic: I got my first job immediately after my CPL, the day after. (some flight school have sometimes a charter operation...)